Getting Around Kangaroo Island

There is a wide range of tours on the Island. Tours enable you to sit back and allow someone else to do the driving, and your guide can provide great Kangaroo Island knowledge. Coach tours are available or, alternatively, more personalised four-wheel drive tours. Most tours will pick-up from your accommodation, ferry terminal or the airport. For those with determination and energy, biking or hiking can be considered, but this decision should not be taken lightly. The Island is large (155km long) and careful assessment of your fitness level and equipment should be made.

Self Driving Around

A Big Island - As the third largest island off the coast of mainland Australia, Kangaroo Island is more than a day-trip destination. At 155 kilometres long and up to 55 kilometres wide, it covers an area of 4,500 square kilometres. 'We didn't realise the Island was so large' is frequently stated by visitors soon after their arrival.

Pick-up your self-drive information kit

Bring your vehicle or hire

You can bring your vehicle from the mainland by ferry or you can hire a vehicle from Penneshaw or the airport. Four-wheel drive vehicles are not necessary. With care, you can enjoy all the Island has to offer in a conventional vehicle.

Hire Cars

Driving on Kangaroo Island

There are nearly 1,600 kilometres of roads on the Island. The major roads between Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote, Parndana and Flinders Chase are sealed. The remainder are unsealed and require reduced speed and caution - particularly on corners and when approaching other traffic.

Fuel

Fuel is available from Kingscote, American River, Island Beach, Penneshaw, Parndana, Vivonne Bay and KI Wilderness Resort near Flinders Chase National Park. LPG is available at Kingscote, Penneshaw and Parndana. A full tank is recommended before heading out on a full day of touring. Fuel stations have limited hours, some closing at 6pm.

Road courtesy

People drive at different speeds, based on their ability, safety comfort zone or desire to see the Island at a relaxed pace. Please give consideration to other road users. Keep left and allow faster moving traffic through. If stopping to sightsee, ensure that your vehicle is not parked on the road, just around a corner or over a hill from oncoming traffic.

Wildlife

Kangaroo Island wildlife is precious and protected - and active at night! Native animals are blinded by bright light. Slow down, dip your lights and take time to observe the wildlife. During the day, be especially careful not to hit goannas basking on the warm roads.

Public transport

THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON KANGAROO ISLAND: The Kangaroo Island Seafront offers FREE transfers to Sealink Ferry Terminal and transfer to and from the airport at a cost, please contact us for more information.

Coach service runs twice daily between Kingscote, American River and Penneshaw connecting with SeaLink ferry services. There is no taxi service on the Island.

Kangaroo Island Discovery Tours

Welcome to KI Discovery Tours. Our luxury touring caters for small group tours (min 2 passengers, max 5 passengers) are designed to bring you up close and personal with Kangaroo Island. Your friendly experienced guide will impress you with their local knowledge of Kangaroo Island and the abundant wildlife. With KI Discovery Tours you explore the Island in style and luxury comfort, with your local guide. Learn about the islands unique native wildlife and marvel and its natural surroundings. KI Discovery Tours offer both one and two day itineraries, with over night tours provide accommodation at the 4 star Kangaroo Island Seafront. Our touring company is committed to making sure you have an experience that is like no other you will have in Australia.

General Booking Enquiries about Accommodation, KI Discovery Tours, KI Shores Caravan & Camping and Penny's Restaurant can be made by filling out the form below. We will reply to you as soon as possible with an answer to your query. We can also help with your travel arrangements and information about Kangaroo Island.